Malone, from Bowie in adjacent Montague County, was arrested last week on a sexual assault charge in Parker County and then led deputies to the remains of his 28-year-old girlfriend, Samantha McNorton. She was last seen Nov. 2 at a convenience store. She wasn't reported missing until 11 days later.

Malone said he suspected McNorton of cheating on him and contended he acted in the heat of passion. He had a decade-long criminal record and had been held under $2 million bail.